The Biological Classification of African Violets

The biological classification of the more commonly known African Violet plant, is Saintpaulia. It was first discovered in the hills of Tanzania in East Africa by Herr Von Saint Paulliare. The African Violet's botanical name comes from its finder, and its popular name from the place where it was found.

Saintpaulia ionantha is one particular species of Saintpaulia. Most all of today's African Violet cultivars have descended from this species, ionantha.

This plant is known to grow upright in a rosette habit and has violet-blue flowers. The leaves are dark green and have a serrated edge.

Ionantha is taken from the Greek language; ion meaning purple and anthos meaning flower. There are 19 other confirmed species of the biological classification, Saintpaulia.

African Violets are a Tropical Houseplant

This tropical houseplant was first beloved in America and is now popular throughout the world. Even though its natural environment is the tropics, it has adapted itself very well to many diverse growing conditions.

This Flowering Houseplant Blooms for Most of the Year

The African Violet is an evergreen flowering houseplant which can produce blooms for most of the year. There are short 'resting' periods between each flowering, however. Its leaves are hairy and succulent, with long, fragile stems. The flowers grow from the center of the rosette in groups of 4-8 which are in loose clusters. The flower itself is much like the Violet with broad, flat petals and are round in shape. There are two stamens in the center with button-like yellow anthers.

African Violet Varieties are Many

Saintpaulia ionantha once had only small, deep-purple flowers, but as soon as the plant became popular in America, breeders started new hybrids. Today there is a whole host of colors to enjoy. There are white, pink, blue, purple and even bi-colored or mottled flowers. The flowers can be both single and double and have either smooth or fringed petals.

Lucky growers have access to the many African Violet varieties to cultivate and care for. There is even a miniature variety which has become extremely favored over the years.

Saintpaulia ionantha Continues to be a Popular Houseplant

Now that you know the biological classification of the African violet as, Saintpaulia ionantha, moving on to caring for these tropical houseplants will seem a snap!

African Violets have been vastly improved through the years. They are more durable and have become reliable bloomers whose range of both color and form has been widened.

More Country Living Gardening Tips and Articles